Feedback on Doge 6 CD Player?

HAHA! Point taken. The truth is that I really want the Doge, and was hoping somebody would say something that would talk me out of it. You've failed miserably at that. Thanks, Chayro! I really do appreciate it.

Thank you both for your responses. I've read and enjoyed both of your component reviews, and appreciate you taking the time to respond. I already spend too much time sitting around wondering about audio equipment, so I won't add guessing to the activity list. I think Montejay is referring to the Electrocompaniet and Esoteric players he had recommended, anyway. This has given me a lot of food for thought.

I have heard one of Electrocompaniet's players at a local dealer, although I'm uncertain of the model, and thought it sounded fantastic. And I've heard Esoteric at RMAF and had the same favorable impressions. But those are outside of my budget parameters new and I'm not too keen on making a used purchase of a CD player. Whether of not this is foolishness on my part, I would like the support of a warranty in case I have any problems.

Given that parameter, would either of you recommend anything else? I'm actually considering just updating my DAC first and running an old CD player through it to forestall any decision on a new CD player, but the notion of the tube output stage on the Doge 6 intrigued me. I know I could just buy a tube buffer or a DAC with tubes like those made by MHDT or Eastern Electric, but I was pretty taken with the quality of the Doge 8 unit I already own and thought their CD might offer similar sound and value relative to competing models at the same price point. Would either of you be able to/mind answering a few questions?

1. Where would you rate the Doge compared to something like a new Sony XA5400ES or a one of the newer Oppo units? I could always have them updated by Modwright down the road and see further improvement, but in their stock forms where would you say they stand in relation to the Doge 6?

2. Do either of you have any experience with any of the AH! Njoe Tjoeb units? Or Jolida or Cayin tubed units? Or Cary or Primaluna tubed units? I'm asking because I'm curious where the Doge rates in relation to other tubed units that have been well received and well reviewed? I understand that the Cary and Primaluna units are outside of the parameters that I've established for myself.

3..What do you think of the actual quality of the Doge 6, in terms of durability and construction? Does the transport seem well made or flimsy? Aside from the sound in your system, how does it compare to other units you've experienced?

Thanks so much for your time and consideration in offering feedback and answering questions. It is much appreciated.

That's good to hear, Auralone. Which Esoteric CDP are you using?

Thank you all, for your feedback and your time. I've decided against any new CD player at this time and will just go ahead and buy a new DAC. Ultimately, I had to be honest with myself about my real listening habits and probably only 10% of my listening is CD based, the bulk of it being computer/vinyl. Given the overall cost of my system, I think spending $1700 for a CD-only player would be a mistake for me right now, especially given the fact that a DAC upgrade is long overdue and more worthwhile for my actual listening preferences. Despite the fact that I enjoy reading Audiogon forums, I tend not to post much. It was nice to see firsthand how helpful the forums could be in providing useful feedback and helping me to work through my own process in reaching a decision. Thanks, guys.

As stated in my previous response, buying a new DAC will help me enjoy my system more, as it will improve the quality of one of my two preferred sources for listening. I already have 2 relatively inexpensive DACS that I enjoy immensely and listen to for hours a day. I never said that I planned to buy a cheap DAC. The notion of me purchasing a cheap DAC is your own invention.

You're excused.